“All Change” at Manchester Victoria

September 18, 2010

Things are starting to happen at Manchester Victoria, bringing the grand old lady into the modern age. And we don’t just mean the futuristic extension to Chetham’s across the road !

Convenience store Mace plans to open an outlet in the corner of the building (nearest Urbis) to boost the poor selection of shops. Mace have applied for an all-day off-licence but I think I heard this had been rejected by planners with concerns it could lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour.

Plans to modernise the passenger areas are also shaping up. Hyder Consulting and BDP Architects have been contracted for a £26m scheme funded by Network Rail, Manchester City Council, and GMITA. A further £5m promised by the DfT has been withdrawn, but the proposals still include:

refurbishment of the roof (damaged in the 1996 IRA bomb)

glazed entrance doors

a glazed screen between concourse and platforms

centrally located travel office

These features are reminiscent of the refurbishment to Manchester Piccadilly of course, but the Victoria refurbishment will preserve the rich heritage features of the station like the war memorials, mosaics, and glazed, domed roof of the refreshment room.

Detailed plans will be drawn up next year with work starting on the station in 2012.

Finally, in a separate £1.7m DfT scheme lighting is going to be improved on platforms 3-6, new toilets constructed to replace the current antiquated facilities, and additional help-points and cycle loops installed.